Sriram Krishnan is an Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and technologist, widely recognised for his influential roles in some of Silicon Valley’s largest tech companies. Born in Chennai, India, in 1984, Krishnan has built a remarkable career that spans leadership positions at major firms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and Snap, before moving into venture capital and policy advisory roles. His expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies has made him a key figure in shaping the future of tech and digital economies.
Early Life and Education
Krishnan’s journey into technology began in his youth. Raised in a middle-class Tamil Brahmin family in Chennai, he developed an early passion for computers. Although his family could not afford internet access, Krishnan persuaded his father to buy him a computer, and he spent his nights learning coding through books. This self-driven pursuit led him to a career in Information Technology, and he went on to earn a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University, between 2001 and 2005.
Career at Major Tech Giants
Krishnan’s career in the tech industry took off in 2007 when he joined Microsoft as a program manager for Visual Studio. He quickly built a reputation for his ability to lead product teams and drive user growth. Later, at Facebook, he played a pivotal role in creating the Facebook Audience Network, a direct competitor to Google’s ad technologies.
He also had significant stints at Twitter, where he led the user experience and product teams, driving key innovations like a redesigned homepage and an events feature. His work at Snap further solidified his reputation as a leader in product management, shaping the future of social media platforms.
Transition to Venture Capital
In 2021, Krishnan joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s leading venture capital firms, as a General Partner. At a16z, he focused on emerging technologies, particularly AI and cryptocurrency, and was integral in expanding the firm’s operations internationally, including its first office in London. His influence grew as he delved deeper into the intersection of tech and finance, particularly in Web3 and AI, areas he believed would redefine industries in the coming decades.
Role in AI Policy and Public Service
In December 2024, Krishnan made headlines with his appointment as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence under President-elect Donald Trump. As part of his new role, Krishnan will work alongside David Sacks, former PayPal COO, to help shape AI policy in the United States, balancing innovation with regulation to maintain America’s global leadership in AI. This move marks a significant shift in Krishnan’s career from a tech operator to a policy influencer, and his expertise will be crucial as the U.S. navigates the complexities of AI’s role in geopolitics and economic development.
Public Recognition and Personal Life
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Krishnan and his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, are prominent figures in the tech world and beyond. The couple co-host the popular podcast The Aarthi and Sriram Show, where they discuss everything from entrepreneurship to tech trends. The show has earned them a following among Silicon Valley insiders and tech enthusiasts alike. They married in 2010 after meeting in college in 2003.
Shaping the Future of Technology and AI Policy
Sriram Krishnan’s career is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in the tech world. From his early days coding in Chennai to his current role shaping global AI policy, Krishnan has consistently positioned himself at the forefront of technological evolution. His contributions, both in the private sector and through his recent government appointment, will continue to influence the trajectory of AI and tech policy for years to come.
Early Life and Education
Krishnan’s journey into technology began in his youth. Raised in a middle-class Tamil Brahmin family in Chennai, he developed an early passion for computers. Although his family could not afford internet access, Krishnan persuaded his father to buy him a computer, and he spent his nights learning coding through books. This self-driven pursuit led him to a career in Information Technology, and he went on to earn a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University, between 2001 and 2005.
Career at Major Tech Giants
Krishnan’s career in the tech industry took off in 2007 when he joined Microsoft as a program manager for Visual Studio. He quickly built a reputation for his ability to lead product teams and drive user growth. Later, at Facebook, he played a pivotal role in creating the Facebook Audience Network, a direct competitor to Google’s ad technologies.
He also had significant stints at Twitter, where he led the user experience and product teams, driving key innovations like a redesigned homepage and an events feature. His work at Snap further solidified his reputation as a leader in product management, shaping the future of social media platforms.
Transition to Venture Capital
In 2021, Krishnan joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s leading venture capital firms, as a General Partner. At a16z, he focused on emerging technologies, particularly AI and cryptocurrency, and was integral in expanding the firm’s operations internationally, including its first office in London. His influence grew as he delved deeper into the intersection of tech and finance, particularly in Web3 and AI, areas he believed would redefine industries in the coming decades.
Role in AI Policy and Public Service
In December 2024, Krishnan made headlines with his appointment as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence under President-elect Donald Trump. As part of his new role, Krishnan will work alongside David Sacks, former PayPal COO, to help shape AI policy in the United States, balancing innovation with regulation to maintain America’s global leadership in AI. This move marks a significant shift in Krishnan’s career from a tech operator to a policy influencer, and his expertise will be crucial as the U.S. navigates the complexities of AI’s role in geopolitics and economic development.
Public Recognition and Personal Life
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Krishnan and his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, are prominent figures in the tech world and beyond. The couple co-host the popular podcast The Aarthi and Sriram Show, where they discuss everything from entrepreneurship to tech trends. The show has earned them a following among Silicon Valley insiders and tech enthusiasts alike. They married in 2010 after meeting in college in 2003.
Shaping the Future of Technology and AI Policy
Sriram Krishnan’s career is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in the tech world. From his early days coding in Chennai to his current role shaping global AI policy, Krishnan has consistently positioned himself at the forefront of technological evolution. His contributions, both in the private sector and through his recent government appointment, will continue to influence the trajectory of AI and tech policy for years to come.
